i rarely look at all the official stuff at the top of the list of forums. it rarely changes and i just don't usually feel like there is much there to interest me.

BUT - a week or so ago i did - and found in "Moving Forward: Research studies" an invitation to participate in an interview for a doctoral research program. this is the stated purpose:

"As this study investigates the factors that foster resiliency in those who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, I hope to design a strengths-based counselling program that will help those who have experienced childhood sexual abuse."

i think this is a GREAT goal that i wanted to support so i volunteered. i had the interview today. it was a very positive experience. the interviewer was extremely kind, gentle and understanding. she is interviewing both males and females - but wants to get much more input from males because of the dearth of useful material out there. i was able to say exactly as much as i wanted - responding to mostly open-ended questions. i felt heard and understood. it made me feel good to know that possibly some of my comments might help professionals in the future to help other CSA survivors.

so - want to encourage anyone who can to participate. you dont have to be "all better" to qualify. i hesitated to volunteer because i know i haven't "arrived" yet. that is not the point - the term is "resilient" - however YOU define that. being able to get on with life is how i see it - in spite of all the ups and downs. being a "survivor" rather than just a victim - at whatever stage of recovery or improvement.

i think this is a way that many MS members can make a difference.check it out!Lee

_________________________
"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself... And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity." - Paulo Coelho

Congrats Lee, As I'm currently doing final corrections on my own doctoral research I can appreciate how much work this lady is engaged in.

I'd participate myself accept that A, I suspect that since my own abuse was on a sliding scale and happened betwene 12 and 15, with the worst stuff happening later I am just too old, and B, I don't imagine there would be an easy way for her to contact someone in the Uk (I don't even have a microphone for my computer at the moment and would need to do the interview by phone which I'm guessing would be less than practical).

i really do applaud what she's doing however and hope people will indeed share their experiences as you have.

Doctoral studdies once published are what governments, hospitals, health authorities and other legislative boddies use as source material in making any sort of policy decisions or changes, so yes, this sort of thing does! make a difference.

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